Encapsulation sleeve gasket assembly with removable inner layer

ABSTRACT

A coupling assembly orientated about a longitudinal axis and having a first sleeve and second sleeve configured to be tightened to a fluid conduit, a radial-split gasket configured to be positioned between the sleeves and the fluid conduit and having an outer gasket layer and a separate inner gasket layer that are configured to be selectively disengaged from each other, and an inner circumferential surface of the outer gasket layer and/or an outer circumferential surface of the inner gasket layer comprising a plurality of circumferentially spaced retaining protrusions interfacing between the inner and outer gasket layers to maintain angular alignment of the inner and outer gasket layers about the longitudinal axis.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to the field of fluid conduitrepair and coupling sleeves, and more particularly to an improved pipecoupling sleeve and gasket assembly.

BACKGROUND ART

Split repair and encapsulating sleeves or clamps are used in the repairor reinforcement of pipes. For example, conventional assemblies forcoupling and sealing adjacent ends of two adjacent pipe sections includea sleeve, shell or collar with each pipe end extending into a respectiveend of the sleeve. Gaskets are placed between the sleeve and each pipeend, respectively, such that tightening the sleeve to the pipe sectionscompresses the gasket against the pipe ends, thereby sealing the pipecoupling to the pipes.

Some split ring type pipe couplings utilize a gasket having a pluralityof layers integrally connected to each other. The inner layer typicallydefines an opening adapted to receive small diameter pipe ends and, whenit is desired to couple a larger diameter pipe end than cannot fitthrough the inner layer opening, one or more of the layers may bemanually removed from the gasket to increase the size of the gasketopening to accommodate the larger diameter pipe.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,168,210, entitled “Pipe Coupling,” discloses a sleeve,flanges and gaskets that are coupled together via bolts to compress thegaskets against pipe ends as the flanges are drawn towards each other.U.S. Pat. No 4,391,458, entitled “Pipe Coupling With Gasket LocatingMeans,” discloses a pipe coupling having a split housing surrounding asplit-ring gasket.

U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010/0327576, entitled “PipeCoupler and Gasket With Positive Retention and Sealing Capability,”discloses a coupler which provides positive retention of a gasket aboutthe circumference of the coupler. U.S. Pat. No. 8,776,351, entitled“Split-Ring Gland Pipe Coupling With Corrugated Armor,” discloses a pipecoupling for coupling adjacent ends of a pair of pipes that includes asleeve, a split-ring gland positioned around one of the ends of thesleeve, and an annular gasket positioned within the split-ring gland andconfigured to be compressed by the split-ring gland for sealing one pipeend to the sleeve.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

With parenthetical reference to corresponding parts, portions orsurfaces of the disclosed embodiment, merely for the purposes ofillustration and not by way of limitation, an improved conduit couplingassembly (115) configured to clamp to a fluid conduit (19, 119) orientedabout a longitudinal axis (x-x) is provided comprising: a first arcuatesleeve member (16A); a second arcuate sleeve member (16B); a connectingassembly (18, 28A, 28B) coupling the first sleeve member to the secondsleeve member and configured to tighten the first and second sleevemembers to a fluid conduit from a non-actuated position to a tightenedposition; an arcuate radial-split gasket (125A, 125B) configured to bepositioned between the first and second sleeve members and the fluidconduit; the gasket comprising a radial-split arcuate outer gasket layer(140) and a separate radial-split arcuate inner gasket layer (130); theouter gasket layer having an inner circumferential surface (142, 146,150) and an outer circumferential surface (152, 156); the inner gasketlayer having an inner circumferential surface (132) and an outercircumferential surface (134A, 134B, 134C); the inner and outer gasketlayers configured to be selectively disengaged from each other; and theinner circumferential surface of the outer gasket layer and/or the outercircumferential surface of the inner gasket layer comprising a pluralityof circumferentially spaced retaining protrusions (161A, 161B, 161C)interfacing between the inner and outer gasket layers to maintainangular alignment (166A, 166B, 166C) of the inner and outer gasketlayers about the longitudinal axis.

The outer circumferential surface of the inner gasket layer may comprisea plurality of radially protruding circumferentially spaced spokes(161A, 161B, 161C) interfacing with the outer gasket layer to maintainthe angular alignment of the inner and outer gasket layers about thelongitudinal axis. The inner circumferential surface of the outer gasketlayer may comprise a plurality of circumferentially spaced cavities(162A, 162B, 162C) configured to receive the protrudingcircumferentially spaced spokes of the inner gasket layer to maintainthe angular alignment of the outer gasket layer and the inner gasketlayer about the longitudinal axis. The circumferentially spaced spokesof the inner gasket layer and the circumferentially spaced cavities ofthe outer gasket layer may be correspondingly located about thelongitudinally extending axis and in mating engagement to maintain theangular alignment of the inner and outer gasket layers about thelongitudinal axis such that the radial-split (126B) of the outer gasketlayer and the radial split (126A) of the inner gasket layer are alignedon a common radius (165) about the longitudinal axis.

The outer circumferential surface of the outer gasket layer may comprisean inwardly extending circumferential groove (160) therein. The annulargroove may have a circumferential arc length about the longitudinal axissubstantially less than the outer circumferential surface of the outergasket layer about the longitudinal axis. The outer gasket layer mayhave a maximum axial width (127B) and the inner gasket layer may have amaximum axial width (127A) less than the maximum axial width of theouter gasket layer.

The inner circumferential surface of the outer gasket layer may comprisea plurality of inwardly extending circumferential channels (157A, 157B)therein; the outer circumferential surface of the inner gasket layer maycomprise a plurality of outwardly extending circumferential splines(139A, 139B); and the circumferential channels of the outer gasket layermay be configured to receive the circumferential splines of the innergasket layer.

In another aspect, a conduit coupling assembly (15) configured to clampto a fluid conduit oriented about a longitudinal axis is providedcomprising: a first arcuate sleeve member; a second arcuate sleevemember; a connecting assembly coupling the first sleeve member to thesecond sleeve member and configured to tighten the first and secondsleeve members to a fluid conduit from a non-actuated position to atightened position; a gasket ring (25) configured to be positionedaround a fluid conduit between the first and second sleeve members andthe fluid conduit; the gasket comprising an outer gasket ring (40) and aseparate inner gasket ring (30); the outer gasket ring having an innerannular surface (42, 46, 50) and an outer annular surface (52); theinner gasket ring having an inner annular surface (32) and an outerannular surface (36); the inner and outer gasket rings configured to beselectively disengaged from each other; and the outer gasket ring havinga maximum axial width (27B) and the inner gasket ring having a maximumaxial width (27A) less than the maximum axial width of the outer gasketring.

The outer circumferential surface of the outer gasket ring may comprisean inwardly extending circumferential groove therein. The innercircumferential surface of the outer gasket ring may comprise aplurality of inwardly extending circumferential channels (57A, 57B)therein; the outer circumferential surface of the inner gasket ring maycomprise a plurality of outwardly extending circumferential splines(39A, 39B); and the circumferential channels of the outer gasket ringmay be configured to receive the circumferential splines of the innergasket ring.

In another aspect, a gasket (125, 125A) configured to clamp to a fluidconduit oriented about a longitudinal axis is provided comprising: aradial-split arcuate outer gasket layer (140) and a separateradial-split arcuate inner gasket layer (130); the outer gasket layerhaving an inner circumferential surface (142, 146, 150) and an outercircumferential surface (152, 156); the inner gasket layer having aninner circumferential surface (132) and an outer circumferential surface(134A, 134B, 134C); the inner and outer gasket layers configured to beselectively disengaged from each other; and the inner circumferentialsurface of the outer gasket layer and/or the outer circumferentialsurface of the inner gasket layer comprising a plurality ofcircumferentially spaced retaining protrusions (161A, 161B, 161C)interfacing between the inner and outer gasket layers to maintainangular alignment of the inner and outer gasket layers about thelongitudinal axis.

The outer circumferential surface of the inner gasket layer may comprisea plurality of radially protruding circumferentially spaced spokes(161A, 161B, 161C) interfacing with the outer gasket layer to maintainthe angular alignment of the inner and outer gasket layers about thelongitudinal axis. The inner circumferential surface of the outer gasketlayer may comprise a plurality of circumferentially spaced cavities(162A, 162B, 162C) configured to receive the protrudingcircumferentially spaced spokes of the inner gasket layer to maintainthe angular alignment of the outer gasket layer and the inner gasketlayer about the longitudinal axis. The circumferentially spaced spokesof the inner gasket layer and the circumferentially spaced cavities ofthe outer gasket layer may be correspondingly located about thelongitudinally extending axis and in mating engagement to maintain theangular alignment of the inner and outer gasket layers about thelongitudinal axis such that the radial-split (126B) of the outer gasketlayer and the radial split (126A) of the inner gasket layer are alignedon a common radius (165) about the longitudinal axis.

The outer circumferential surface of the outer gasket layer may comprisean inwardly extending circumferential groove (16) therein. Thecircumferential groove may have a circumferential arc length about thelongitudinal axis substantially less than the outer circumferentialsurface of the outer gasket layer about the longitudinal axis. The outergasket layer may have a maximum axial width (27B) and the inner gasketlayer may have a maximum axial width (27A) less than the maximum axialwidth of the outer gasket layer.

The inner circumferential surface of the outer gasket layer may comprisea plurality of inwardly extending circumferential channels (157A, 157B)therein; the outer circumferential surface of the inner gasket layer maycomprise a plurality of outwardly extending circumferential splines(139A, 139B); and the circumferential channels of the outer gasket layermay be configured to receive the circumferential splines of the innergasket layer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the improved assembly.

FIG. 2 is an end view of the assembly shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a longitudinal vertical cross-sectional view of the assemblyshown in FIG. 2, taken generally on line A-A of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged end view of one of the two end gaskets shown inFIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged longitudinal vertical cross-sectional view of theend gasket shown in FIG. 4, taken generally on line B-B of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is an alternative longitudinal vertical cross-sectional view of anested end gasket.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged longitudinal vertical cross-sectional view of theend gasket shown in FIG. 6, taken generally within the indicated circleC of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is an end view of the assembly shown in FIG. 1 installed on anoversized diameter pipe.

FIG. 9 is a longitudinal vertical cross-sectional view of the assemblyshown in FIG. 8, taken generally on line D-D of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the improvedassembly.

FIG. 11 is an end view of the assembly shown in FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a longitudinal vertical cross-sectional view of the assemblyshown in FIG. 11, taken generally on line E-E of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is an enlarged end view of one of the two end gaskets shown inFIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is an enlarged longitudinal vertical cross-sectional view of theend gasket shown in FIG. 13, taken generally on line F-F of FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a longitudinal vertical cross-sectional view of the endgasket shown in FIG. 13, taken generally on line G-G of FIG. 13.

FIG. 16 is an enlarged longitudinal vertical cross-sectional view of theend gasket shown in FIG. 15, taken generally within the indicated circleH of FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is a side view of the assembly shown in FIG. 10.

FIG. 18 is an enlarged transverse vertical cross-sectional view ofassembly shown in FIG. 17, taken generally on line I-I of FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the end gasket shown in FIG. 18.

FIG. 20 is an end view of the assembly shown in FIG. 10 installed on anoversized diameter pipe.

FIG. 21 is a longitudinal vertical cross-sectional view of the assemblyshown in FIG. 20, taken generally on line J-J of FIG. 20.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

At the outset, it should be clearly understood that like referencenumerals are intended to identify the same structural elements, portionsor surfaces consistently throughout the several drawing figures, as suchelements, portions or surfaces may be further described or explained bythe entire written specification, of which this detailed description isan integral part. Unless otherwise indicated, the drawings are intendedto be read (e.g., cross-hatching, arrangement of parts, proportion,degree, etc.) together with the specification, and are to be considereda portion of the entire written description of this invention. As usedin the following description, the terms “horizontal”, “vertical”,“left”, “right”, “up” and “down”, as well as adjectival and adverbialderivatives thereof (e.g., “horizontally”, “rightwardly”, “upwardly”,etc.), simply refer to the orientation of the illustrated structure asthe particular drawing figure faces the reader. Similarly, the terms“inwardly” and “outwardly” generally refer to the orientation of asurface relative to its axis of elongation, or axis of rotation, asappropriate.

Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIGS. 1-3thereof, an improved pipe coupling assembly is provided, of which afirst embodiment is generally indicated at 15. As shown, assembly 15generally comprises outer encapsulation sleeve or shell 16 and two endgaskets 25 and 25A, which surround pipe 19 having outer pipe diameter20. Shell 16, gaskets 25 and 25A and pipe 19 are all generally ring-likecylindrical structures orientated about axis x-x. In operation, sleeve16 is circumferentially disposed on the outside of pipe 19.

Sleeve 16 includes semi-cylindrical top half shell 16A andsemi-cylindrical lower half shell 16B, which are bolted together viatightening assembly 18 to encapsulate pipe 19. Top half shell 16A andbottom half shell 16B are thereby connected and tightened around pipe 19via bolts, severally indicated at 28A, and nuts, severally indicated at28B. End gaskets 25 and 25A are configured to wrap around and encirclepipe 19 between outer surface 22 of pipe 19 and specially configuredinner pockets 21 and 21A of the two halves 16A and 16B, respectively, ofencapsulating sleeve 16 to form a seal, with end gaskets 25A and 25BAsealing on pipe 19 having outer diameter 20. Sleeve 16 is therebyconfigured and arranged to be tightened around pipe 19 and has two pairsof longitudinally extending opposed flange edges 23, 23A and 24, 24Athat are drawn towards each other to seal pipe 16.

End gaskets 25 and 25A have specially contoured features and aredisposed generally between the inner surfaces of sleeve 16 and outercylindrical surface 22 of pipe 16. Thus, end gaskets 25 and 25A aresandwiched between the inside semi-cylindrical surfaces of sleeve 16 andoutside cylindrical surface 22 of conduit 19 to provide sufficientsealing force to prevent leakage of fluid. Elastic or sealing energy isimparted into assembly 15 by tightening sleeve 16 from a loosened or anon-actuated position to a tightened sealed position.

As shown in FIGS. 1-7, each of end gaskets 25 and 25A comprises twonested gasket split-ring layers 30, 40 that can be separated from eachother. Each end gasket 25 and 25A comprises outer gasket split-ring 40and removable inner gasket split-ring 30. Inner split-ring or layer 30may be removed from outer split-ring or layer 40. Cross-section viewsand enlarged cross-sectional views of the nesting arrangement betweenouter split-ring 40 and inner split-ring 30 are shown in FIGS. 3-7.

As shown in FIG. 7, outer split ring gasket 40 is a specially-configuredring-shaped solid penannular member elongated along axis x-x, and isgenerally bounded by rightwardly-facing vertical annular surface 41,inwardly-facing horizontal cylindrical surface 42, leftwardly-facingvertical annular surface 43, inwardly-facing horizontal cylindricalsurface 44, rightwardly-facing vertical annular surface 45,inwardly-facing horizontal cylindrical surface 46, leftwardly-facingvertical annular surface 47, inwardly-facing horizontal cylindricalsurface 48, rightwardly-facing vertical annular surface 49,inwardly-facing horizontal cylindrical surface 50, leftwardly-facingvertical annular surface 51, and outwardly-facing horizontal cylindricalsurface 52, joined at its right marginal end to the outer marginal endof surface 41.

As shown, surface 41 includes annular pressure assist cavity 56 definedby inwardly-facing horizontal cylindrical surface 53, rightwardly-facingconcave curved annular surface 54, and outwardly-facing horizontalcylindrical surface 55, with surface 55 joined at its right marginal endto the surface 41 and surface 53 joined at its right marginal end tosurface 41. Surfaces 47, 48 and 49 define first annular channel 57A inthe inner circumference surfaces 42 and 50 of outer gasket 40, andsurfaces 43, 44 and 45 define second annular channel 57B in the innercircumference surfaces 42 and 50 of outer gasket 40.

As shown in FIG. 7, inner split ring gasket 30 is a specially-configuredring-shaped solid penannular member elongated along axis x-x, and isgenerally bounded by rightwardly-facing vertical annular surface 31,inwardly-facing horizontal cylindrical surface 32, leftwardly-facingvertical annular surface 33, outwardly-facing horizontal cylindricalsurface 34, rightwardly-facing vertical annular surface 35,outwardly-facing horizontal cylindrical surface 36, leftwardly-facingvertical annular surface 37, and outwardly-facing horizontal cylindricalsurface 38, joined at its right marginal end to the outer marginal endof surface 31. The outer portion of surface 49 and surfaces 34 and 35define spline 39A extending outwardly from outer circumferential surface36 of inner gasket 30, and surfaces 36 and 37 and the outer portion ofsurface 38 define spline 39B extending outwardly from outercircumferential surface 36 of inner gasket 30. Splines 39A and 39B ofinner gasket 30 are orientated in a plane substantially perpendicular toaxis x-x and mate with channels 57A and 57B of outer gasket 40,respectively. As shown, inner gasket layer 30 has axial width 27Abetween side surfaces 31 and 33 that is less than axial width 27Bbetween side surfaces 41 and 51 of outer gasket layer 40.

As shown, inner split-ring 30 does not entirely overlap outer split-ring40. Inner split-ring 30 has outer axial width 27A along axis x-x andouter split ring 40 has outer axial width 27B along axis x-x greaterthan axial width 27A of inner split ring 30. Right and left edges 31 and33 of inner split-ring 30 are significantly inward of right and leftedges 41 and 51, respectively, of outer split-ring 40. Inner gasketsplit-ring 30 is manually removable from outer gasket split-ring 40 toallow end gaskets 25 and 25A to be installed on oversize pipe 119 havingouter diameter 120, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9.

Split-ring end gaskets 25 and 25A are formed of a resilient material andare cut radially so as to be penannular and not form a full ring. Thus,instead of being a full continuous annular ring, radial break or gap 26is provided through each layer 30 and 40 at a circumferential location.Thus, each layer 30 and 40 has a radial split 26A and 26B, respectively,through the entire gasket cross-section. The edges of gap 26 may therebybe manually separated or pulled apart from each other to form a moreopen C-shaped member. This gap is increased such that it is greater thanouter diameter 20 of pipe 19 such that end gasket 25 and 25A can beinstalled on or fit around outer diameter 20 of pipe 19. Once installedon pipe 19, the opposed ends of the split-rings 30 and 40 will move backtowards each other and gap 26 will close up.

Inner split-ring 30 and outer split-ring 40 are loosely connected toeach other via annular splines 39A and 39B of inner gasket 30 beingnested in annular channels 57A and 57B, respectively, such that innersplit-ring 30 is adapted to be removed from outer split-ring 40 at apredetermined location. This allows end gasket 25 to be used with pipesof substantially different diameters. Thus, for pipe 19 having smallerouter diameter 20, inner and outer split-rings 30 and 40 are nested andused together, as shown in FIGS. 1-5. For pipes 119 of greater outerdiameter 120, inner split-ring 30 is manually separated from outersplit-ring 40 and just outer split-ring 40 is used as the end gasket, asshown in FIGS. 8 and 9.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, outer split-ring gasket layer 40 includespressure assist cavity 56 to aid in sealing to pipe 19 or 119 undercompressive pressure.

Turning now to FIGS. 10-21, a pipe coupling assembly 115 according to asecond example embodiment is shown. Coupling assembly 115 has a numberof the features of assembly 15 described above in connection with FIGS.1-9. The significant difference between coupling assembly 115 andassembly 15 are the features of assembly 115 that limit rotationalmovement of gasket layers 130 and 140 relative to each other about axisx-x.

Referring now FIGS. 10-21, assembly 115 generally comprises outerencapsulation sleeve or shell 16 and end gaskets 125 and 125A, whichsurround pipe 19 having outer diameter 20. As with assembly 15, shell16, gaskets 125 and 125A and pipe 19 are all generally ring-likecylindrical structures orientated about axis x-x.

Sleeve 16 of assembly 115 is substantially the same as sleeve 16 ofassembly 15, having a semi-cylindrical top half shell 16A andsemi-cylindrical lower half shell 16B, which are bolted together viabolts 28A and nuts 28B. End gaskets 125 and 125A are configured to wraparound and encircle pipe 19 between outer surface 22 of pipe 19 andspecially configured inner pockets 21 and 21A of the two halves 16A and16B, respectively, of encapsulating sleeve 16 to form a seal, with endgaskets 125A and 125B sealing on pipe 19 having outer diameter 20. Eachof pockets 21 and 21A of the two halves 16A and 16B are semi-cylindricalinner open-faced channels configured to axially-retain outer gasket 140.

End gaskets 125 and 125A have specially contoured features and aredisposed generally between the inner surfaces of sleeve 16 and outercylindrical surface 22 of pipe 16. Thus, end gaskets 125 and 125A aresandwiched between the inside semi-cylindrical surfaces of sleeve 16 andoutside cylindrical surface 22 of conduit 19 to provide sufficientsealing force to prevent leakage of fluid. Elastic or sealing energy isimparted into assembly 115 by tightening sleeve 16 from a loosened or anon-actuated position to a tightened sealed position.

As shown, each of end gaskets 125 and 125A comprises two nested gasketsplit-ring layers 130, 140 that can be separated from each other. Eachend gasket 125 and 125A comprises outer gasket split-ring 140 andremovable inner gasket split-ring 130. Inner split-ring or layer 130 maybe removed from outer split-ring or layer 140.

As shown in FIG. 16, outer split ring gasket 140 is aspecially-configured ring-shaped solid penannular member elongated alongaxis x-x, and is generally bounded by rightwardly-facing verticalannular surface 141, inwardly-facing horizontal cylindrical surface 142,leftwardly-facing vertical annular surface 143, inwardly-facinghorizontal cylindrical surface 144, rightwardly-facing vertical annularsurface 145, inwardly-facing horizontal cylindrical surface 146,leftwardly-facing vertical annular surface 147, inwardly-facinghorizontal cylindrical surface 148, rightwardly-facing vertical annularsurface 149, inwardly-facing horizontal cylindrical surface 150,leftwardly-facing vertical annular surface 151, outwardly-facinghorizontal cylindrical surface 152, rightwardly-facing vertical annularsurface 153, outwardly-facing horizontal cylindrical surface 154,leftwardly-facing vertical annular surface 155, and outwardly-facinghorizontal cylindrical surface 156, joined at its right marginal end tothe outer marginal end of surface 141. Surfaces 147, 148 and 149 definefirst annular channel 157A in the inner circumference surfaces 142 and150 of outer gasket 140, and surfaces 143, 144 and 145 define secondannular channel 157B in the inner circumference surfaces 142 and 150 ofouter gasket 140.

As shown, outer circumferential surface 152, 155 includes annular groove160 defined by rightwardly-facing vertical annular surface 153,outwardly-facing horizontal cylindrical surface 154 andleftwardly-facing vertical annular surface 155. As shown, groove 160extends into the outer circumferential surface of outer gasket 140 in aplane substantially perpendicular to axis x-x. Groove 160 providesvolumetric space for gasket 140 to move into as sleeve 16 is tightenedto pipe 19 and gasket 125 is radially compressed between shell 116 andpipe 19, facilitating an improved seal.

As shown in FIG. 16, inner split ring gasket 130 is aspecially-configured ring-shaped solid penannular member elongated alongaxis x-x, and is generally bounded by rightwardly-facing verticalannular surface 131, inwardly-facing horizontal cylindrical surface 132,leftwardly-facing vertical annular surface 133, outwardly-facinghorizontal cylindrical surface 134A, leftwardly-facing vertical annularsurface 135A, outwardly-facing horizontal cylindrical surface 135B,rightwardly-facing vertical annular surface 135C, outwardly-facinghorizontal cylindrical surface 134B, leftwardly-facing vertical annularsurface 136A, outwardly-facing horizontal cylindrical surface 136B,rightwardly-facing vertical annular surface 136C, and outwardly-facinghorizontal cylindrical surface 134C, joined at its right marginal end tothe outer marginal end of surface 131. Surfaces 135A, 135B and 135Cdefine spline 139A extending outwardly from outer circumferentialsurface 134A, 134B and 134C of inner gasket 130, and surfaces 136A, 136Band 136C define spline 139B extending outwardly from outercircumferential surface 134A, 134B and 1345C of inner gasket 130.Splines 139A and 139B of inner gasket 130 are orientated in a planesubstantially perpendicular to axis x-x and mate with channels 157A and157B of outer gasket 140, respectively. As shown, inner gasket layer 130has axial width 127A between side surfaces 131 and 133 that is less thanaxial width 127B between side surfaces 141 and 151 of outer gasket layer140. Inner gasket split-ring 130 is manually removable from outer gasketsplit-ring 140 to allow end gaskets 125 and 125A to be installed onoversize pipe 119 having outer diameter 120, as shown in FIGS. 20 and21.

Split-ring end gaskets 125 and 125A are formed of a resilient materialand are cut radially so as to be penannular and not form a full ring.Thus, instead of being a full continuous annular ring, radial break orgap 126 is provided through each layer 130 and 140 at a circumferentiallocation. Thus, each layer 130 and 140 has radial split 126A and 126B,respectively, through the entire gasket cross-section. The edges of gap126 may thereby be manually separated or pulled apart from each other toform a more open C-shaped member. This gap is increased such that it isgreater than outer diameter 20 of pipe 19 so that end gaskets 125 and125A can be installed on or fit around outer diameter 20 of pipe 19.Once installed on pipe 19, the opposed ends of the split-rings 130 and140 will move back towards each other and gap 126 will close up.

Inner split-ring 130 and outer split-ring 140 are loosely connected toeach other via annular splines 139A and 139B of inner gasket 130 beingnested in annular channels 157A and 157B, respectively, such that innersplit-ring 130 is adapted to be removed from outer split-ring 140 at apredetermined location. This allows end gasket 125 to be used with pipesof substantially different diameters. Thus, for pipe 19 having smallerouter diameter 20, inner and outer split-rings 130 and 140 are nestedand used together, as shown in FIGS. 10-16. For pipes 119 of greaterouter diameter 120, inner split-ring 130 is manually separated fromouter split-ring 140 and just outer split-ring 140 is used as the endgasket, as shown in FIGS. 20 and 21. Accordingly, gaskets 125 and 125Aeach include penannular outer gasket layer 140 and separate penannularinner gasket layer 130 that is insertable into and removable from outergasket layer 140. Gaskets 125 and 125A define a gasket openingorientated about longitudinal axis x-x.

As shown in FIGS. 14, 15, 18 and 19, inner gasket layer 130 includesthree circumferentially spaced radially extending protrusions 161A, 161Band 161C interfacing with correspondingly circumferentially spacedradially inwardly extending cavities 162A, 162B and 162C in outer gasketlayer 140. Protrusions 161A, 161B and 161C of gasket layer 130 mate withcavities 162A, 162B and 162C in outer gasket layer 140 to retain gasketlayers 130 and 140 in rotational and angular alignment aboutlongitudinal axis x-x. When nested, protrusions 161A, 161B and 161C ofgasket layer 130, mated with cavities 162A, 162B and 162C of gasketlayer 140, prevent rotational movement of gasket layers 130 and 140relative to each other about axis x-x such that radial splits 126A and126B are aligned on common radius 165 about axis x-x.

Outer gasket layer 140 is configured to nest in annular pocket 21 ofshell 16 along outer circumferential surfaces 152, 156 and has innercircumferential surfaces 142, 146 and 150 configured to engage eitherinner gasket layer 130, as shown in FIG. 12, or outer surface 122 ofpipe 119 when inner gasket layer 130 is removed, as shown in FIG. 21.Inner gasket layer 130 is configured to nest in annular channels 157Aand 157B and circumferentially spaced cavities 162A, 162B and 162C ofouter gasket 140 via splines 139A and 139B and circumferentially spacedspokes 161A, 161B and 161C, respectively, and has inner circumferentialsurface 132 configured to engage outer surface 22 of pipe 19.Accordingly, inner gasket layer 130 may be readily removed from andreinserted into outer gasket layer 140. By positioning inner gasketlayer 130 within outer gasket layer 140 with splines 139A and 139B andcircumferentially spaced spokes 161A, 161B and 161C of inner gasketlayer 130 aligned with annular channels 157A and 157B andcircumferentially spaced cavities 162A, 162B and 162C of outer gasket140, respectively, outer and inner gasket layers 130 and 140 are bothheld together by their own resiliency, although gasket layers 130 and140 may be easily separated by pulling inner gasket layer 130 inwardlyin a radial direction and then away from outer gasket layer 140, androtationally or angularly aligned about axis x-x relative to each othervia circumferentially spaced spokes 161A, 161B and 161C and cavities162A, 162B and 162C.

As shown, outer gasket layer 140 includes outer circumferential surfaces152 and 156 facing shell pocket 21 and inner circumferential surfaces142, 146 and 150 facing inner gasket layer 130, or pipe 119 when innergasket layer 130 is removed. The inner circumferential surfaces 142, 146and 150 define a first opening having a first diameter 120, as shown inFIG. 21. Similarly, inner gasket layer 130 includes outercircumferential surfaces 134A, 134B and 134C facing outer gasket layer140 and inner circumferential surface 132 facing pipe 19. Innercircumferential surface 132 defines a second opening having a secondsmaller diameter 20, as shown in FIG. 12.

Inner gasket layer 130 may be selectively disengaged from outer gasketlayer 140 and removed from coupling assembly 115 to modify an effectiverange of pipe outer diameters that may be sealed by and accommodatedwithin coupling assembly 115. Thus, removable inner gasket layer 130enables modification of an effective diameter of coupling assembly 115.For example and without limitation, diameter 20 may allow couplingassembly 15 to receive a pipe or pipe end having an outer diameter (OD)in the range of about 6.55 inches to about 7.05 inches due to thepresence of the inner gasket layer 130. However, removal of inner gasketlayer 130 results in a second opening of diameter 120, which may allow,for example and without limitation, assembly 15 to thereby receive apipe or pipe end having an OD in the range of about 7.04 inches to about7.65 inches. However the diametrical dimensions and ranges of gaskets125 and 125A may be modified in other embodiments for pipes of differentsize ranges.

In this embodiment, protrusions 161A, 161B and 161C of gasket layer 130and cavities 162A, 162B and 162C of gasket layer 140 arecircumferentially spaced about axis x-x, with protrusion 161A and cavity162A angularly aligned 166A about 180° from radial gap 126, protrusion161B and cavity 162B angularly aligned 166B about 45° from radial gap126 on one side, and protrusion 161B and cavity 162B angularly aligned166C about 45° from radial gap 126 on the other side. However, fewer ormore retaining protrusions may be used and the spacing of such retainingelements about axis x-x may be varied. Furthermore, while in thisembodiment the protrusions are provided on the outer circumferentialsurface of inner gasket 130 and corresponding cavities are provided onthe inner circumferential surface of outer gasket 140, the cavities maybe formed in the outer circumferential surface of inner gasket 130 andcorresponding protrusions may be formed on the inner circumferentialsurface of outer gasket 140.

While inner circumferential surface 132 of inner gasket layer 130 isgenerally smooth in this embodiment, alternatively and withoutlimitation it may be provided with ribs, projections, beads or groovesto provide an improved sealing connection with pipe 19. While outercircumferential surface 152, 156 of outer gasket layer 140 is formedwith annular channel 160, alternatively and without limitationadditional channels or grooves of alternative cross-sectional profilesmay be employed for improved gasket compression and sealing.Furthermore, channel 160 may have a non-uniform width around the gasketcircumference or may comprise multiple channels that each extends lessthan 180° of the outer circumference of the gasket when in place.

The present invention contemplates that many changes and modificationsmay be made. Therefore, while forms of the improved coupling assemblyhas been shown and described, and a number of alternatives discussed,persons skilled in this art will readily appreciate that variousadditional changes and modifications may be made without departing fromthe scope of the invention, as defined and differentiated by the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A conduit coupling assembly configured to clampto a fluid conduit oriented about a longitudinal axis comprising: afirst arcuate sleeve member; a second arcuate sleeve member; aconnecting assembly coupling the first sleeve member to the secondsleeve member and configured to tighten said first and second sleevemembers to a fluid conduit from a non-actuated position to a tightenedposition; an arcuate radial-split gasket configured to be positionedbetween said first and second sleeve members and said fluid conduit;said gasket comprising a radial-split arcuate outer gasket layer and aseparate radial-split arcuate inner gasket layer; said outer gasketlayer having an inner circumferential surface and an outercircumferential surface; said inner gasket layer having an innercircumferential surface and an outer circumferential surface; said innerand outer gasket layers configured to be selectively disengaged fromeach other; said outer circumferential surface of said outer gasketlayer comprising an inwardly extending circumferential groove therein;and said inner circumferential surface of said outer gasket layer and/orsaid outer circumferential surface of said inner gasket layer comprisinga plurality of circumferentially spaced retaining protrusionsinterfacing between said inner and outer gasket layers to maintainangular alignment of said inner and outer gasket layers about saidlongitudinal axis.
 2. The coupling assembly set forth in claim 1,wherein said outer circumferential surface of said inner gasket layercomprises a plurality of radially protruding circumferentially spacedspokes interfacing with said outer gasket layer to maintain said angularalignment of said inner and outer gasket layers about said longitudinalaxis.
 3. The coupling assembly set forth in claim 2, wherein said innercircumferential surface of said outer gasket layer comprises a pluralityof circumferentially spaced cavities configured to receive saidprotruding circumferentially spaced spokes of said inner gasket layer tomaintain said angular alignment of said outer gasket and said innergasket layer about said longitudinal axis.
 4. The coupling assembly setforth in claim 3, wherein said circumferentially spaced spokes of saidinner gasket layer and said circumferentially spaced cavities of saidouter gasket layer are correspondingly located about said longitudinallyextending axis and are in mating engagement to maintain said angularalignment of said inner and outer gasket layers about said longitudinalaxis such that said radial-split of said outer gasket layer and saidradial split of said inner gasket layer are aligned on a common radiusabout said longitudinal axis.
 5. The coupling assembly set forth inclaim 1, wherein said outer circumferential surface of said outer gasketlayer comprises an inwardly extending circumferential groove therein. 6.The coupling assembly set forth in claim 5, wherein said circumferentialgroove has a circumferential arc length about said longitudinal axissubstantially less than said outer circumferential surface of said outergasket layer about said longitudinal axis.
 7. The coupling assembly setforth in claim 1, wherein said outer gasket layer has a maximum axialwidth and said inner gasket layer has a maximum axial width less thansaid maximum axial width of said outer gasket layer.
 8. The couplingassembly set forth in claim 1, wherein: said inner circumferentialsurface of said outer gasket layer comprises a plurality of inwardlyextending circumferential channels therein; said outer circumferentialsurface of said inner gasket layer comprises a plurality of outwardlyextending circumferential splines; and said circumferential channels ofsaid outer gasket layer configured to receive said circumferentialsplines of said inner gasket layer.
 9. A conduit coupling assemblyconfigured to clamp to a fluid conduit oriented about a longitudinalaxis comprising: a first arcuate sleeve member; a second arcuate sleevemember; a connecting assembly coupling the first sleeve member to thesecond sleeve member and configured to tighten said first and secondsleeve members to a fluid conduit from a non-actuated position to atightened position; a gasket ring configured to be positioned around afluid conduit between said first and second sleeve members and the fluidconduit; said gasket comprising an outer gasket ring and a separateinner gasket ring; said outer gasket ring having an inner annularsurface and an outer annular surface; said inner gasket ring having aninner annular surface and an outer annular surface; said inner and outergasket rings configured to be selectively disengaged from each other;and said outer gasket ring having a maximum axial width and said innergasket ring having a maximum axial width less than said maximum axialwidth of said outer gasket ring.
 10. The coupling assembly set forth inclaim 9, wherein said outer circumferential surface of said outer gasketring comprises an inwardly extending circumferential groove therein. 11.The coupling assembly set forth in claim 9, wherein: said innercircumferential surface of said outer gasket ring comprises a pluralityof inwardly extending circumferential channels therein; said outercircumferential surface of said inner gasket ring comprises a pluralityof outwardly extending circumferential splines; and said circumferentialchannels of said outer gasket ring are configured to receive saidcircumferential splines of said inner gasket ring.
 12. A gasketcomprising: a radial-split arcuate outer gasket layer and a separateradial-split arcuate inner gasket layer orientated about a commonlongitudinal axis; said outer gasket layer having an innercircumferential surface and an outer circumferential surface; said innergasket layer having an inner circumferential surface and an outercircumferential surface; said inner and outer gasket layers configuredto be selectively disengaged from each other; and said innercircumferential surface of said outer gasket layer and/or said outercircumferential surface of said inner gasket layer comprising aplurality of circumferentially spaced retaining protrusions interfacingbetween said inner and outer gasket layers to maintain angular alignmentof said inner and outer gasket layers about said longitudinal axis. 13.The gasket set forth in claim 12, wherein said outer circumferentialsurface of said inner gasket layer comprises a plurality of radiallyprotruding circumferentially spaced spokes interfacing with said outergasket layer to maintain said angular alignment of said inner and outergasket layers about said longitudinal axis.
 14. The gasket set forth inclaim 13, wherein said inner circumferential surface of said outergasket layer comprises a plurality of circumferentially spaced cavitiesconfigured to receive said protruding circumferentially spaced spokes ofsaid inner gasket layer to maintain said angular alignment of said outergasket layer and said inner gasket layer about said longitudinal axis.15. The gasket set forth in claim 14, wherein said circumferentiallyspaced spokes of said inner gasket layer and said circumferentiallyspaced cavities of said outer gasket layer are correspondingly locatedabout said longitudinally extending axis and are in mating engagement tomaintain said angular alignment of said inner and outer gasket layersabout said longitudinal axis such that said radial-split of said outergasket layer and said radial split of said inner gasket layer arealigned on a common radius about said longitudinal axis.
 16. The gasketset forth in claim 12, wherein said outer circumferential surface ofsaid outer gasket layer comprises an inwardly extending circumferentialgroove therein.
 17. The gasket set forth in claim 16, wherein saidcircumferential groove has a circumferential arc length about saidlongitudinal axis substantially less than said outer circumferentialsurface of said outer gasket layer about said longitudinal axis.
 18. Thegasket set forth in claim 12, wherein: said inner circumferentialsurface of said outer gasket layer comprises a plurality of inwardlyextending circumferential channels therein; said outer circumferentialsurface of said inner gasket layer comprises a plurality of outwardlyextending circumferential splines; and said circumferential channels ofsaid outer gasket layer are configured to receive said circumferentialsplines of said inner gasket layer.
 19. The gasket set forth in claim12, wherein said outer gasket layer has a maximum axial width and saidinner gasket layer has a maximum axial width less than said maximumaxial width of said outer gasket layer.